August 12, 2018 is World Elephant Day. It's a day where people around the world help bring attention to protect and celebrate elephants. They are on the brink of extinction due to the high demand of ivory. Ninety six elephants are killed every day in Africa for their ivory tusks. Their tusks are elongated incisors (teeth) which they use for digging, ripping bark from trees, defending themselves, and to move large objects like tree trunks.
There are two species of elephants. Asian and African. What is the easiest way to tell them apart? The African elephant has enormous ears. Some say their ears are the shape of Africa. The Asian elephant's have much smaller ears. Both male and female African elephants have tusks, where as in Asian elephant, only the male have tusks.
Male (Bull) African elephants can be 10-14 feet tall and weigh between 8,000-13,000 pounds. A female (Cow) can be 7-11 feet tall and weigh between 5,500- 7,600 pounds. Elephant calves are about 3 feet tall and around 180 pounds. A female is pregnant for about 22 months.
Elephants have thick wrinkled skin with little hairs on them. Their feet are like shock absorbers acting like cushions when they walk.
Elephants are very intelligent and social animals. They work together as a family and grieve over lost members of the herd.
Elephants are important to the ecosystem. They dig waterholes that help provide other animals water to drink and clear paths by knocking down trees. Elephants disperse seed through their poop which help grow plants and trees. Without elephants, many animals and habitat will be lost.
Show your support today for these amazing animals and "Go Grey." Wear grey clothing, grey jewelry, grey hair, head bands, get fancy, and do whatever you can to help support these magnificent creatures.
For other ways to help save elephants go to 96 Elephants by clicking this link.
www.96elephants.org/
Exciting News!
I just got word that my book, Katie The Elephant was nominated for a book award. What a great way to celebrate World Elephant Day!
To order Katie The Elephant click on the button below.
A portion of the proceeds goes toward elephant conservation.